Gerald Hill Dawson, of White Sulphur Springs, WV, passed peacefully after an extended illness at the age of 82.
Jerry was born at Charlottesville, VA, Aug. 15, 1942, the only child of Reginald and Katherine Dawson.
He was raised in West Virginia, moving from town to town as his father worked on the road. By the time he entered college, he had lived in sixteen towns. Jerry graduated from Augusta Military Academy in 1962; later he graduated from West Virginia Tech in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Furthering his education, he earned a Masters at the Naval War College, in Newport, RI.
He dodged the draft in 1966 by joining the Navy, he was enlisted as an Ensign. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1968, he served 26 years in the Navy, with three combat tours. He served as Commanding Officer of a Helicopter Squadron. Additionally, he served as Air Boss on a Helicopter Aircraft Carrier, spending 13 out of 26 years on sea duty. He successfully made 24 open sea rescues and retired in 1992 as a Navy Captain. Upon his retirement from the Navy, he became the oldest rookie to earn commencement honors from the San Diego Regional Police Academy in 1993, and became a Police Officer at Chula Vista, CA.
Upon returning to West Virginia, he found the love of his life Sandra Compton-Lockhart. After an extended courtship they were married in 2004. He served as City Manager of White Sulphur Springs for a number of years, before earning his teaching degree. He spent seven proud years as a Special Education Teacher at Clifton Middle School, Clifton Forge, VA, where he lead the Yearbook Staff for many academic years. He retired from teaching in 2006.
He enjoyed his life in West Virginia which included people, as well as memories from his younger days. His favorite pastime was riding his 1946 Willys Jeep over Kate’s Mountain, and entertaining friends on Kate’s at The Shelter on top for candlelit dinners. Later, Sandy and Jerry moved to Lewisburg and they enjoyed entertaining friends for dinner on their deck each summer, his personal enjoyment came from seeing your eyes when he placed a T-Bone on your plate that hung well over both sides.
Survivors include his four sons, Michael McNeff and his wife Melanie of Andover, MN, Scott Dawson and his wife Gemma of Crestwood, KY, Sean Dawson of Chula Vista, CA, and Karl Dawson and his wife Erica of Oakland, CA; grandchildren; Tori Dugan and her family in Kentucky, Ashley Stipe and her family of Texas, Breeshae Dawson of California, Amara Sanders of California, J.J. Dawson of California, and Jake, Julia, and Ashlyn McNeff of Minnesota; as well as, six great-grandchildren. Additionally, his loving wife survives him, Sandra Lockhart-Dawson, who has been a selfless caretaker the last few years as his health declined and he battled dementia, as well as her family.
In addition to his parents, preceding him in death is a stepson, Brian Lockhart. Survivors include stepson Robert Lockhart of Atlanta, GA, and grandsons, Ryan Lockhart of White Sulphur Springs, and Aaron Lockhart of Lewisburg, as well as one great-granddaughter.
A Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2:30 p.m. at the Wallace & Wallace Chapel in White Sulphur Springs with Pastor Greg Scott officiating. The family will receive family and friends from 1:30 until time of services on Feb. 22, at the funeral home.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
